TAMPA – The defense in this game that was supposed to dominate and end up the victor was that of the Buccaneers, who entered the game having allowed only two field

goals by opposing teams in the red zone.

On paper, the Bucs’ defense looked to be a daunting task for the Jets. No one, though, was talking about the Jets’ defense, which ended up holding Tampa Bay to a mere 239 total offensive yards – 59 in the second half.

“We showed we’re the better defense,” said SS Victor Green, who had an INT, six tackles and a fumble recovery. “Their defense has gotten all the hype and glory, but our defense showed it was better. You have to do more than talk to win a football game.”

Al Groh called the Jet defense, which forced four turnovers by a Tampa Bay team that entered the game having lost the ball only once in three games, “magnificent.”

The Jets’ performance (they scored two TDs in the red zone after the Bucs entered the game having allowed only two FGs) left the Bucs’ defenders stunned.

Said Buc DT Warren Sapp: “At no point did we think we were going to lose this game. It’s uncharacteristic of this ball club.”

Jet CB Aaron Glenn said, “They wanted a war, we gave them a war.”

The Bucs’ defense entered the game with the most sacks in the NFL (18), but didn’t sack Vinny Testaverde once. Testaverde has been sacked only twice in four games.

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Jet rookie WR Laveranues Coles had quite a homecoming yesterday after spending much of this season being somewhat buried on the depth chart.

Coles, who went to nearby Florida State and is from Jacksonville, was the Jets’ third receiver, supplanting veteran Vincent Brisby, left on the inactive list. Coles caught two clutch passes for 34 yards and made two more solo special teams tackles in coverage.

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Guess who’s the Jets’ leading receiver? Richie Anderson, with seven catches for 42 yards yesterday, has 20 catches in four games, a pace that would give him 80 for the season.

Jet rookie TE Anthony Becht, one of the two first-round draft picks used from the Keyshawn Johnson deal, caught his first two NFL passes (2-20).

Jet rookie LB John Abraham, the other first-round draft pick who came as a result of the Johnson trade, made several key plays in the game, including the game-sealing sack and forced fumble in the final seconds.

LB Mo Lewis also had a sack.

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Jet CB Aaron Glenn and Green had INTs, but neither was converted into points by the Jets’ offense.

Kevin Williams was again a factor on KO returns for the Jets, averaging 31 yards on three KO returns.